Enforce current intoxication laws before marijuana law goes into effect

In this editorial, the editorial board touches on retail marijuana stores, the perpetuation of the marijuana black market and (by far the most important topic) laws and enforcement as they pertain to smoking marijuana in public.

Though the board approaches the issue with an attitude to which I am receptive, I somewhat disagree with its thoughts on public marijuana use and how it is similar to public intoxication. I do agree that the two issues share a similar situation, but I do not believe that passing laws limiting public marijuana use will make any difference whatsoever.

In my experience as a frequent downtown commuter, both early/late morning and evening laws against public intoxication seem to make no difference and do not affect the use of excessive alcohol in public. In the same way, marijuana users would work around or simply ignore laws to subdue public use. To make this idea plausible, we as a city must show that we can enforce the laws we already have put into effect.

Welcome to The Seattle Times' online letters to the editor, a sampling of readers' opinions. Join the conversation by commenting on these letters or send your own letter of up to 200 words letters@seattletimes.com.